Lake LBJ

Colorado & Llano Rivers, Highland Lakes, TX, USA

A constant-level gem in the Highland Lakes chain, Lake LBJ blends year-round boating with classic Hill Country scenery.

6,502 acres

Surface Area

90 ft

Max Depth

270 miles

Shoreline

1951

Created

Patricia A. Gillean

Associate Broker, Partner, Horseshoe Bay One Realty

Patty brings proven results, trusted service, and unmatched knowledge of Lake LBJ. When it comes to waterfront living, she’s the local expert.

512-585-1267

pgillean9@gmail.com

www.homeslakelbj.com

Find Your Lake Home

About Lake LBJ (Lake Lyndon B. Johnson)

Created by Wirtz Dam in 1951, Lake LBJ sits on the Colorado and Llano rivers and is managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It’s maintained near a constant elevation around 825 ft msl, so lake levels are typically stable even in summer—great for docks and all kinds of water fun.

Surface area and shoreline vary a bit by source and lake level. Texas Parks & Wildlife lists 6,449 acres and a max depth of 90 ft; the Texas Water Development Board’s 2007 survey measured ~6,273 acres at operating level with 133,090 acre-feet of storage. A 2020 TPWD fisheries report notes ~6,502 acres and ~270 miles of shoreline. All three confirm the same constant-level management.

Key Features

Swimming Areas

Boating & Water Sports

Fishing (Diverse Species)

Marinas & Boat Services

Kingsland Community Park

Picnic Areas & Outdoor Leisure

Minimal Water Level Fluctuation

Wildlife Viewing

Quick facts (at-a-glance)

Location: Colorado & Llano Rivers, Highland Lakes, TX.
Normal elevation: ~825 ft above mean sea level (constant-level).
Surface area: 6,449–6,502 acres (source & level dependent).
Max depth: ~90 ft.
Shoreline: ~270 miles (2020 survey).
Impounded: 1951 (Wirtz Dam).
Nearby parks: Inks Lake SP & Longhorn Cavern SP.
Primary towns on shore: Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Kingsland, Granite Shoals.

Lake LBJ Vacation Homes For Rent

📅

Lake LBJ EVENT GUIDE

Coming Soon

🍽️

Lake LBJ DINING GUIDE

Coming Soon

What you can do there

Swim & relax in coves. With typically clear to slightly stained water and steady levels, LBJ’s small parks and community shorelines are ideal for swimming and lounging near the water.

Boat, ski, wake & surf. The long Colorado and Llano arms offer room for cruising and tow-sports; marinas and fuel are available near Wirtz Dam/Horseshoe Bay and other hubs. Always observe posted no-wake zones and local rules.

Fish year-round. Largemouth and Guadalupe bass, white bass (spring runs up the Llano), crappie, and catfish are main targets; docks, brush piles, and vegetation edges hold fish. Winter power-plant discharge areas can concentrate bait and gamefish.

Picnic & day-trip. Pair lake time with a cave tour at Longhorn Cavern or trails and swimming at Inks Lake State Park—both just minutes away.

Access, marinas & ramps

Public ramps (overview). TPWD notes two main public ramps with additional small public ramps in Granite Shoals; fees and local permits may apply. Kingsland Community Park (upper lake/Llano arm) and facilities near Wirtz Dam (lower lake) are common launch points.

Granite Shoals ramps. The city maintains several neighborhood park ramps; recent updates moved to digital/credit-card payments (typ. ~$10 for non-residents). Check the city or park signage for current rules.

Kingsland Community Park. One-lane concrete ramp, courtesy docks, day-use access, and a small fee; busy on weekends and during spring white bass runs.

Marinas & services. Lake LBJ Yacht Club & Marina (200 S Wirtz Dam Rd) offers slips, rentals, fuel, and services near Horseshoe Bay/Marble Falls.

LCRA ramp info. LCRA maintains a current list of Highland Lakes ramp locations and contacts (handy during high-water or maintenance closures).

Safety & regulations

Life jackets. Texas law: all children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved PFD on boats under 26 ft while underway; every vessel needs wearable PFDs for all aboard (plus a throwable on boats 16+ ft).
Boater education. Required for operators born on/after Sept 1, 1993 (motor >15 hp, sailboats >14 ft, and all PWCs). Carry photo ID and proof of course completion.
No-wake & operating rules. Obey posted no-wake zones; special clearances apply near diver-down flags and in designated areas. Always operate at safe speed and be responsible for your wake.
Invasive species. Zebra mussels are present in the Highland Lakes. By law you must Clean, Drain, and Dry your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving fresh water. Fines can apply.
Water conditions. Even constant-level lakes can see temporary flood releases after major rains; check LCRA and local advisories before heading out.

Gallery

Nearby highlights & suggested day trips

Inks Lake State Park (camping, hiking, paddling, Devil’s Waterhole).
Longhorn Cavern State Park (guid ed cave tours and CCC history; day-use).
Marble Falls (downtown shopping, dining, and seasonal events; easy lake-to-town combo).

Events & community

The Kingsland AquaBoom Independence celebration anchors the summer with parades, a boat parade, poker run, and fireworks over the lake—spectators watch from anchored boats and shoreline parks. In nearby Marble Falls, LakeFest drag-boat races have been a recurring summer spectacle on Lake Marble Falls (check the current-year schedule).